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N.C. ALE Confirms an ‘Ongoing Investigation’ into the Death of the Student Found on ASU, Alcohol Involved

Tyler Blalock

By Jesse Wood

Oct. 3, 2012. A representative in the Conover office of the N.C. ALE confirmed that an ongoing investigation regarding the death of ASU sophomore Tyler Blalock is taking place, although, the official said she couldn’t “comment until the investigation is wrapped up and its come to a conclusion.”

Blalock was found face down on Saturday morning in Kraut Creek on the campus of ASU. ASU Police Chief Gunther Doerr stated that alcohol was a factor in the death of the young man who was 19 years old.

Since the young man was under the age of 21, one question now looms over the ongoing N.C. ALE’s investigation: Who from and how did the young man obtain alcohol on Friday night? 

Doerr said that if alcohol was obtained off campus that would be a matter for the N.C. ALE, which enforces laws concerning the sale of alcoholic beverages. 

Doerr added that alcohol was known to be a factor by late Sunday night and Monday after interviewing those that knew Blalock. Doerr said the toxicology results could take as long as two weeks.

“That will give us a clear indication what the alcohol level was and if any other substances were in his system,” Doerr said “That [report] will clear up a lot of unknowns.” 

On Sunday afternoon, ASU released this statement: “The results of an autopsy completed this morning confirm the cause of Appalachian State University student Tyler Blalock’s death as accidental drowning. University Police investigation findings are consistent with the medical examiner’s results.

“There are no indications of any foul play. The evidence collected during the investigation confirms that Blalock was alone when he slipped on the edge of the creek and struck his head on some rocks as he fell into the water.”

The last time somebody drowned in Kraut Creek was in the summer of 2007 after a week of heavy rains and alcohol played a factor in that death as well.

Blalock’s Obituary

Tyler Lee Blalock, 19, of Charlotte died Saturday, September 29, 2012 in Boone, NC.

A native of Charlotte, Tyler was born to Robert L. Blalock and Lynn Ragsdale Blalock on October 14, 1992. He was a graduate of North Mecklenburg High School and was currently attending Appalachian State University majoring in sustainable development. Tyler was a member of the 2012 Championship Intermural basketball team at Appalachian State and also was a member of the intermural golf team. Tyler worked as a life guard for Charlotte Swim Club Management Group for the past two years.

Tyler is survived by his parents, Lynn Blalock of Sparta and Robert Blalock of Charlotte and by brother, Derek Blalock of Charlotte.

A funeral service will be held 3:00pm, Thursday, October 4 at University City United Methodist Church, 3835 West WT Harris Blvd. Charlotte with Pastors Ron Smith, Chuck Wilson and Bob Miller officiating. Interment will follow in Gethsemane Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends 7:00pm to 9:00pm, Wednesday evening at McEwen Funeral Service, Derita Chapel, 6300 Mallard Creek Rd, Charlotte.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Appalachian Access Fund (for Appalachian students with financial need), PO Box 32007, University Advancement, Boone, NC 28608.

Online condolences may be made at www.mcewenderitachapel.com.